The Belize Hotel Association held its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, July 3, 2019 from 1:00PM- 5:30PM at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel in Belize City.  In attendance were the Board of the BHA,  Association Members, Ministry of Tourism Representatives, Belize Tourism Board Representatives, other Tourism Stakeholders and invited guests.

Prior to the AGM, the Belize Hotel Association hosted an informative seminar from 8AM to Noon. Mr. Maynor Larrieu, Associate Market Manager for Expedia, spoke on Data Driven marketing strategies, revenue management and other tools offered by Expedia. Ms. Vivian Mur of Adara discussed the utilization of people-based insights to increase market efficiency, growth and maximize the value of customer portfolios. The Belize Hotel Association would like to thank Adara, Expedia, Atlantic Bank, G.A. Roe & Sons, Luxe Magazine and Digi for sponsoring this event.

Keynote speaker at the AGM, was Mr. Raphael Saul, a dynamic Motivational Speaker from Barbados. Mr. Saul spoke on creating an empowering work environment where employees develop motivation and loyalty and transfer this excitement to potential clients to maximize revenues.

Guest Speakers, Ms. Juliza Pineda of Westin Camino Real and Ms. Melissa Alonzo of TravelClick, spoke on Revenue Management techniques and how to increase product income. Mr. Abner Mendoza of Belizing.com outlined details of their collaboration with the BHA, promoting monthly webinars and blogs. Other presentations included COPA Airlines, Belize Telemedia Limited and Belize Insurance Center, and Luxe and Travel.

Mr.  Ted Tejada, President of the Belize Hotel Association delivered the President’s address, which highlighted the BHA’s achievements throughout the year, including the partnerships and opportunities made with BHA members, iCare program, CARPHA, tourism statistics and opportunities.  The Financial report was given by Treasurer, Mr Rudy Gonzalez and Ms. Tessie Duran Tonaco, Marketing and Membership Director, presented the Marketing Report which emphasized the international and local efforts to promote its members and the country of Belize. Sander Langeveld, BHA Representative in Europe spoke on BHA’s marketing efforts in that region. Vote of Thanks was given by Director, Ms. Stephanie Elena.

Election of Officers was held. The newly elected Board of Directors is as follows: Ted Tejada, Sandra van Noord, Barbara Hall, Rudy Gonzalez, Stephanie Elena, Douglas Thompson, Alina Saldivar, Anoushka Brandl, Barry Snowden, Roanne Badillo, Sherry Constantino and Past-President Leisa Carr-Caceres.

An auction of prizes and Gift Certificates was done in support of the BHA Scholarship fund, which assists with educational expenses for children of staff of BHA members. The BHA would like to thank, all who donated to this effort namely COPA Airlines, Best Western Plus Belize Biltmore Plaza, Mirab and Company, San Ignacio Resort Hotel, Victoria House Resort and Spa, Tropic Air, Cataleya Guesthouse, The Ellysian Boutique Hotel, Angelus Press, Sunbreeze Hotel, Banana Bank Lodge, Portofino Resort, Los Porticos Villas, Banyan Bay Suites, Belize Diving Adventures, Atlantic Bank, Belize Telemedia Limited, Chan Chich Lodge, Kaana Resort , La Milpa Lodge and Research Center, A Belizean Nirvana, Splash Dive Center, Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort, Grand Caribe Belize Resort, Belize Ocean Club, Island Magic Beach Resort, Chaa Creek Resort and Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina..

Door Prizes were raffled, courtesy of Madisco and BIG Distributors.

The meeting was followed by a cocktail with additional sponsorship from Bowen and Bowen Ltd.

The Belize Hotel Association (BHA) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization and Belize’s oldest private sector tourism organization. Its membership is comprised primarily of accommodation providers including hotels, resorts, lodges, condominiums and educational facilities with allied members including tour operators and ancillary businesses that service the hospitality industry. The BHA works diligently to support the sustainable growth of member hotels and the tourism industry in Belize through global marketing initiatives, private and public sector partnerships and training opportunities aimed at increased standards and professional service. Above all, the BHA is committed to ensuring that visitors to Belize receive quality service at a fair price.